Saturday, May 06, 2006

Dear Abby Weighs In on Smoking at Outdoor Weddings

In her column today, Dear Abby responds to a reader's question about how to inform guests of the no smoking policy at her outdoor wedding site. You have to get past the first Dear Abby letter about a woman whose posterior was hanging out in a restaurant, but scroll down, and you'll find Abby's advice. If you have a small number of smoking guests, I tend to agree with her recommendation. However, if you are hosting a very large wedding and need to communicate a smoking policy more efficiently, I see no problem with including a note about the location's smoking restrictions with your invitations.

Monday, May 01, 2006

An Island Wedding During Hurricane Season? Yes!

So, you've always dreamed of an island wedding... but you want to tie the knot between June and November--during prime hurricane season. It's time to think outside the Caribbean! Hastings House Country Estate on Canada's Salt Spring Island offers an all-inclusive wedding package priced at $4,025 for two that includes:

• transportation to and from the seaplane dock or ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island• accommodations in a deluxe suite for three nights• a basket of fruit and treats from the Hastings House kitchen• daily morning wake-up hamper, breakfast and afternoon tea• a three-course dinner in the Dining Room of the Manor House• a six-course dinner in the Dining Room or on the Verandah• a three-course fireside dinner in the newlyweds' suite• marriage license and commissioner (similar to a justice of the peace)• transportation to and from the government office to obtain your marriage license• champagne and cake, served in a location of your choice• a floral bouquet, boutonniere and table arrangement• a copy of Hastings House Country Estate, a keepsake book.

The package can be expanded to include guests. Up to 48 people can be accommodated in the hotel's guest suites. For more information, call (250) 537-2362.